Ocean County, New Jersey, has been nominated to participate in an anti-domestic violence pilot program that would radically change how the state handles domestic violence cases and monitors people convicted of domestic violence-related offenses. The legislation's official name is A3731, but it will also be known as “Lisa's Law” in remembrance of a Tom's River woman named Letizia Zendell, who experienced domestic violence before being murdered by her ex-fiancée.

Have you been arrested for domestic violence or other related charges? District Attorneys are taking strong stands against domestic violence. The consequences of a conviction could negatively impact every aspect of your life. You could lose your freedom, your job or professional license, and even custody of your children. You must take affirmative steps to defend yourself and your reputation. Call the Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team at 888-535-3686 or contact us online today.

A Multi-Faceted Approach to Monitoring Domestic Violence Offenders

District 7 Assemblywoman Carole Murphy introduced “Lisa's Law” for consideration by the state house, and the bill has a clear focus: to improve safety for domestic violence victims while also ensuring that offenders are held fully accountable for their actions. Lisa's Law would accomplish its objectives in several ways. Most notably, it would allow courts to mandate that certain high-risk offenders wear ankle monitors.

The bill establishes certain criteria courts can consider in assessing offenders, which include:

• Whether the offender has a previous history of violent criminal activity
• The degree of harm suffered by the victim
• Whether the offender has access to firearms or other weapons
• What, if any, mental health issues may be affecting the offender (e.g., depression, PTSD, schizophrenia)
• Whether the offender has a substance abuse issue

Lisa's Law also requires that the ankle monitors used to track offenders be compliant with the requirements outlined in the “Offender Tracking Systems NIJ Standard 1004.00,” which was established by the National Institute of Justice. This requirement will ensure that offenders wear ankle monitors that meet uniformly high-performance requirements.

Offenders Could Face Additional Fines and Criminal Penalties

Offenders who are required to wear ankle monitors would also be required to pay a $250 “monitoring fee” (which may be waived in cases where offenders lack sufficient financial resources). More importantly, Lisa's Law would make it a third-degree felony to tamper with an electronic ankle monitoring device. That offense is punishable by a prison sentence ranging from three to five years and/or a fine of up to $15,000.

Criminal Defense in Domestic Violence Cases

Domestic violence cases are some of the most emotionally charged, intense cases in the New Jersey criminal justice system. Because of this, prosecutors and police can be aggressive in how they handle defendants. However, being charged with domestic violence doesn't have to mean you will be convicted. You have the right to a legal defense, but the stakes are incredibly high.

You could go to prison or be required to wear an ankle monitor if you lose. You deserve a skilled, professional legal team that has experience fighting and winning domestic violence cases. Call the Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team at 888-535-3686 or contact us online today!